As God led Moses to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt, he devised a perfect plan to help the covenant children leave behind the "world" and look forward to the day of true deliverance when he would come to redeem them from their sins. He gave them the Law of Moses, everything pointing to that future great and eternal sacrifice.
Approximately 1600 years later, in the the meridian of time, the keeping of the Law of Moses enabled many to have "eyes to see and ears to hear." They recognized Jesus for who he was and followed him. They received. Sadly there were also those who had embellished the law given by God, looking blindly beyond the mark, using the law to persecute others and establish their own power.
To a multitude gathered on a mountain side, Jesus taught regarding the ten commandments given to ancient Israel. He urged his followers to "do and teach" them. However, he clarified that keeping the commandments was a matter of "heart" not a merely a legalistic exercise. The beatitudes then, now and forever reveal the keys of happiness and blessedness. They are the foundation principles of the commandments.
Jesus' teachings on that holy mount included a call to perfection. (Matthew 5:48 KJV) As we take the name of Jesus Christ upon us and are filled with his love, we keep the commandments as a matter of our love for God and for our fellowman. We yearn to grow and learn through his grace and power. We have a repentant nature as we come up against our weaknesses. We receive of the Savior's sacrifice in our behalf. We begin to reflect the light of His perfect love for each and every one we meet. Ultimately, after much striving and receiving of his grace, in him and through him we are made perfect. Jesus is literally the "fulfillment" of the law.
Next week we will finish "The Sermon on the Mount" in Matthew 6&7. Happy studying:)
Approximately 1600 years later, in the the meridian of time, the keeping of the Law of Moses enabled many to have "eyes to see and ears to hear." They recognized Jesus for who he was and followed him. They received. Sadly there were also those who had embellished the law given by God, looking blindly beyond the mark, using the law to persecute others and establish their own power.
To a multitude gathered on a mountain side, Jesus taught regarding the ten commandments given to ancient Israel. He urged his followers to "do and teach" them. However, he clarified that keeping the commandments was a matter of "heart" not a merely a legalistic exercise. The beatitudes then, now and forever reveal the keys of happiness and blessedness. They are the foundation principles of the commandments.
Jesus' teachings on that holy mount included a call to perfection. (Matthew 5:48 KJV) As we take the name of Jesus Christ upon us and are filled with his love, we keep the commandments as a matter of our love for God and for our fellowman. We yearn to grow and learn through his grace and power. We have a repentant nature as we come up against our weaknesses. We receive of the Savior's sacrifice in our behalf. We begin to reflect the light of His perfect love for each and every one we meet. Ultimately, after much striving and receiving of his grace, in him and through him we are made perfect. Jesus is literally the "fulfillment" of the law.
Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God.And again, if ye by the grace of God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy, without spot. (Moroni's final testimony) Moroni 10:32-34
Next week we will finish "The Sermon on the Mount" in Matthew 6&7. Happy studying:)
Thank you so much for writing this week. Your love for and understanding of the scriptures are inspirational to me! I am so grateful for the process He has established through which each of us can draw near unto Him and ultimately become like Him. I love the gradual change that happens in our natures as we truly strive to receive the "heart" of His commandments and follow Him.
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